Frequently asked questions, from Dr. B

This week, Dr. Badalamenti was asked, “What are some of the questions patients ask you the most? What important questions would you wish they had asked you? What is the most important question one should ask their orthodontist?”

At the initial appointment, we answer many questions, as well as anticipating others. A few frequent ones are "how long will treatment take," and "can treatment be done using Invisalign?"

The individual treatment plan is diagnosed for each patient, so times and treatment options are specific for each patient's orthodontic needs.

When patients start their orthodontic treatment, one of the first questions is: "will it hurt". We let them know it does not "hurt", but there is sometimes a feeling of pressure. They are always pleasantly surprised that there is no pain.

How has the Internet helped Dr. B's office?

We hope you’re having a great week! At Dr. Badalamenti’s office, we use the internet for many aspects of the practice of orthodontics. We can share much information with our patients, in both professional and personal areas. We communicate with other dental professionals regarding patient care. We work with companies such as Invisalign and SureSmile to help evaluate progress of appliances. We order online, and can track items when needed. Recently we added Smile Rewards to our practice promotions, and our patients can track their progress and order rewards online!

Ask Dr. Badalamenti: why is continuing education so important?

We participate in continuing education as a regular part of our professional development. Most of us that work at Dr. Badalamenti's office have licenses that we update yearly with educational credits.

Our staff attended a SureSmile seminar this past winter. Continuing education is something we value and enjoy. We all highly value continuing education here at Dr. Badalamenti's. It helps us keep current on what is new and what is working well. When we attend continuing education opportunities, we usually network with other orthodontic or dental professionals and learn of successes along with acquiring information that will help us deliver the best orthodontic care to our patients.

The great success we have had with SureSmile treatment is something we can offer in many different types of appliances. Dr. Badalamenti is committed to the best treatment available for our patients!

Happy Friday!

Questions, questions...

From the moment patients enter our St. Clair Shores office, they feel a sense of warmth, welcoming and individual care. Some ask a lot of questions about their orthodontic treatment, while others choose to just "go with the flow."

One of the most frequent questions Dr. Badalamenti hears is, "Is it going to hurt?" And our reply is that wearing braces usually does not hurt, although with wire change, there is some pressure felt.

Another popular question is, "How long until the braces come off?" And that usually depends on how the teeth move, patient cooperation, and care of appliances and appointments. The less breakage of both appliances and appointments guarantees speedier treatment.

Do you have a question you've been meaning to ask Dr. B and haven't quite found the time? Let us know by posting here or on our Facebook page!